Fabricator (Full Time)

Whether it’s a 100ft bridge or a brand new base, your welding skills will be crucial. Get qualified – and prepare for an exciting Army life.

Everything you need to know about the role, requirements and what you’ll gain.

Age

You can join between the ages of 16 – 36. At the time of your application you will need to be between 15 years & 7 months old and35 years & 6 months old.

You can start your training as a Junior Soldier at the Army Foundation College from the age of 16 years and 6 months.

GCSE Grade A–D/9-3, or Scottish National 4, in Maths, English Language and one other subject.

Need help?

Unsure about any requirements? Our recruitment team is here to help.

The Royal Engineers create everything from bridges to bases. You’ll get the training to build these structures, using hand and power tools, including oxyacetylene torches. You learn to work with metal - how to forge it, cut it and weld pieces together. Once you’re trained, you’ll be able to build steel frame buildings, fix glass-reinforced plastics and steel, and help with demolition projects. It’s work that could take you all over the world. Plus, you’ll get to make amazing friends, try sports and activities, and build a career. An exciting future starts here.

Fabricator is a Trade role in the Royal Engineers. All the Royal Engineer soldier job roles are divided into 5 groups. When you apply to the Engineers, you will apply to the trade group rather than the specific trade.

Repair and make good in glass-reinforced plastics and steel

Step 1
Your initial military training teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle.

If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do a basic military training course at Harrogate .

If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years and 6 months), you’ll do the regular adult Basic Training .

Step 2
Then it’s off to the Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment near Camberley, Surrey, for 12 weeks. Here, you learn military engineering skills such as knots and lashings, demolition, mine warfare and bridge building. Finally, you go the Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham, Kent, for 32 weeks. Here, you learn how to use hand and power tools, and how to forge, weld and cut metal.

You'll earn £27,282 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.

Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship

From application to training, you can expect a timeline of around 3-6 months.

Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances.

1. 1-2 days

Medical Checks

Next you'll have your medical records checked. This could take some time as it's a really important step to make sure it's safe for you to join.

4. 1-3 months

Assessment centre

Attend a 2-day residential assessment where you'll complete fitness tests, cognitive assessments, medical examinations, and team exercises.

5. 3 - 5 months

Security clearance

Background and security checks are conducted. This can take longer depending on your personal circumstances and history.

Your accommodation

Take a look inside the accommodation you’ll live in during basic training.

Food & Meals

Train in modern gyms and facilities built to keep you fit, strong and ready.

Ask a Soldier

Get honest answers from real soldiers in the roles you’re interested in. Read previously asked questions or ask your own.

You can expect to travel all over the world as a Royal Engineer. In my nearly 15 years in the military as a serving Royal Engineer I have deployed on operations and exercises all over the the UK, Germany, Cyprus, Afghanistan, Turkey, Italy, France and Belgium.

As a Royal Engineer, you can expect opportunities to work and train in the UK and overseas. Sappers support operations globally, using their skills to solve real-world engineering challenges in different environments and alongside a wide range of Army units.

Rob Needham

Every day is different day in the Army, your not going to be doing the repetition of doing the same thing all the time because end of the day we have to adapt, we have to learn.

You could be on exercise for one whole week and the next week you could then be flying to somewhere else to do AT (Adventure Training), ski, snowboard.

Your day will usually follow a routine, with time for training, learning new skills and staying fit. There’s structure to help you progress, but every day brings something a bit different.

Movement Controller

Phase 1 training will gradually push your limits, both physically and mentally, and you learn a lot about what you’re capable of.

Basic training is where you learn the fundamentals of Army life, from fitness and discipline to teamwork and core soldiering skills. It’s challenging, but you’re supported every step of the way as you build confidence and resilience.

Royal Army Medical Services

I’ll usually have physical training in the morning, and for the rest of the day there can be lessons or tasks like servicing vehicles and weapons.

It’s a mix of both. You’ll spend time building your fitness, but just as much time learning new skills, from technical training to teamwork and leadership.

Royal Logistic Corps

Most people eat in the mess on a pay-as-you-dine basis, but if you live independently you can cook for yourself.

Most meals are provided for you in the mess during training. It’s a social part of Army life, and makes it easier to focus on your training and routine.

Royal Army Medical Services

Your future starts here

Every Fabricator started exactly where you are now. Take the first step.

Learn how to find and make safe unexploded devices at home and abroad as part of a highly trained EOD & Search Team.

Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Get the skills for a great career within the Army or the civilian world. Travel, meet new people and try new activities; sky-diving for example.